https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:26:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350976 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:03:11 +0000 Zaeobi 2350976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@cat2<br /> (Un)fortunately I'm the opposite - my hanging space isn't even long enough for my dresses (have to drape the hems over a second hanger, since I suspect I'm a bit on the tall side for a woman here). Maybe we should swap, since I only need like 3 jumpers in this climate (not whole shelves of them), lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350975 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:00:47 +0000 Zaeobi 2350975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Ket<br /> Yes I think I also do this subconsciously - but I have to remind myself that, whilst I'm constantly hiking up my trousers and making do with 'good enough for now' fits, I'm actually missing out on having nice fitting clothes *now*. That might seem obvious, but it's something I forget in the moment - life isn't a goal but rather what's happening in between those goals. So I should dress for it! </p> <p>Thanks but I'll have to set some time aside to go through my ecru &amp; black capsule wardrobe when I'm next back home - I suspect I have too many lightweight items there (bought for the HK climate, not a rainy British one lol). </p> <p>I always get a good chuckle when I see Fabbers complaining that camel &amp; brown colours are always too rich near them - wish I could send them clothes from here, since I see so many greyish cool toned camel tones here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350728 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:32:34 +0000 cat2 2350728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m also a fan of the velvet hangers. I don’t have much space for folded items, so I even hang my sweaters on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350713 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 13:27:35 +0000 Ket 2350713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coat… Agree it has to be the right shade of camel. It’s hard to describe. Camel seems so ubiquitous, how could it vary? But if it’s too sandy or soft it doesn’t work. Likewise if it’s too butterscotch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350712 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 13:26:10 +0000 Ket 2350712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You mined some amazing information and data points! A very helpful list. </p> <p>Your alterations point especially hit me. I kind of wonder if I have unconsciously been avoiding items that need tailoring or alterations. Partly for comfort—I can really move as a mom in a bohemian chiffon blouse. But also partly because of weight fluctuations. Even with fluid tailoring, I feel there is less wiggle room compared to said boho blouse style? Maybe I’m wrong though. Finding nice fitting pants has shown me how nice it is when it fits versus me tucking and belting and doing all the things to make it work. </p> <p>I also love that you’ve found space for the off white items. You found a way to soften black (dark autumn must!) and keep the off white! Double win!</p> <p>I too have noticed copper, nutmeg, and tobacco as a trend this year. Maybe why I ended up with so much burnt orange? It seemed to find me this year. Though I’ve also seen a camel item here and there. Depending on the shade, I’ve found camel to be a nice brighter, lighter neutral without reverting to white or off white. </p> <p>With you on finding more mossy and chartreuse greens </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350707 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:08:52 +0000 Zaeobi 2350707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! That hasn't happened to me yet (thankfully!) but it might if I try to add any more clothes - I doubled up (&amp; even tripled!) the hangers underneath my heavier items (like outerwear). </p> <p>Good point! Camel coats are a perennial classic - but I feel like it has to be the *right* shade of camel to work. Plus there's the practicality issue - darker colours better hide any evidence of my public transport commute lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350415 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:25:33 +0000 Anonymous 2350415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The velvet hangers do make a big difference- but they definitely catch on each other a lot, and I had some of the hooks break off :/<br /> Yes to camel and milk chocolate feeling too nude. I like camel in outerwear though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350321 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:56:14 +0000 Zaeobi 2350321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Olive </p> <p>Admittedly I'm able to keep a separate capsule wardrobe for each country because I have the space - not everyone does! Separating it out by colour really helped, though - no more having something take up weight in my suitcase only to find I already have a similar item there lol... </p> <p>I think we're similar re: comfort &amp; colour - even though I like a wide variety of colour, only my scarves are patterned (&amp; some select dresses). You're right that it makes getting dressed easier! </p> <p>My personal laundry limit is 2 weeks - I've made sure I have enough undies &amp; gym clothes to last until then, since we alternate loads by colour (so I may have to go a fortnight without an item). </p> <p>Haha I think alterations are everyone's kryptonite - unless you have a tailor ok speed dial! Even in Hong Kong, it's not so easy to find one for women's casualwear... </p> <p>Thank you, I enjoy yours too! I suspect it's because we like similar colours &amp; styles in some respects </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350315 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:59:28 +0000 Olive Green 2350315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very clever of you to maintain a separate wardrobe for each country. So much less hassle.&nbsp;<br />Honesty about comfort factors is key. I finally decided to not let fashion or my clothes boss me around. If it is not good, it’s not on.&nbsp;<br />I think the other factor that has led to a high degree of happiness with current wardrobe is colour. I have very few patterns, and mostly solid clothes, so being happy with the colour is half of the game.&nbsp;<br />I have enough of each item to get through a week &nbsp;without laundry bottlenecks.&nbsp;<br />It is so freeing to just wait for the next fab item to show up, rather than search for something that is missing.&nbsp;<br />Ok, alterations are my kryptonite, also.&nbsp;<br />As always, love your colours and style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350311 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:00:46 +0000 Zaeobi 2350311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, @SarahD8! I remember you asked what caused the mass 'clicking' lately - I suspect many Fabbers have finally found their footing post-COVID, since it 'allowed' us to embrace the realities of a more casual lifestyle (which I'm guessing most people had even pre-COVID but weren't necessarily dressing for, due to social norms, without the COVID-induced chance to slow down &amp; contemplate whether such norms serve them well). Just my hunch, though! </p> <p>I've still kept some pieces from my UK closet in a separate capsule wardrobe (stored over there), which I think helped me to better compartmentalise my climate needs (plus it's expensive to repurchase cold weather gear like wool jumpers &amp; coats!) </p> <p>The alterations pile is still very much there haha, but you're right that even fixing up a few pieces here &amp; there is still 'progress'. Thanks for reframing my perspective </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350281 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:10:24 +0000 SarahD8 2350281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have really achieved a lot of your goals and it's great to hear another fabber who has found the "click." It seems like you've really settled into the practicalities of your Hong Kong vs. UK wardrobes, and have dialed in on your own preferences for comfort, color, and coverage. I am impressed by your progress on your alterations pile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350228 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:21:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2350228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Bonnie<br /> 5 items is good progress already! I often get overwhelmed trying to evaluate my entire closet at once, so maybe I should take a leaf out of your book... Getting started is always the hardest part! Do you use any particular programme or method for your spreadsheet? </p> <p>@Jenni<br /> That sounds like a good system - I tend to shop online, so a digital version might work better for me? Though I am very much a 'pen &amp; paper' sort of person when it comes to working anything out...) </p> <p>@Sal<br /> It sounds good in theory but let's see if I can get more texture in practice now ;)<br /> Yes, it's especially frustrating when a shoe was working fine for you before but suddenly it's a hazard! I have to remember it's still money down the drain whether I hold onto the defective item or not, so I may as well free up some closet space in the meanwhile... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350199 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 19:56:07 +0000 Sal 2350199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like lots of progress-I like the idea of adding more texture.</p> <p>And being honest about issues with pieces is a good idea too even if it means facing the hard truths. Footwear issues are the worst. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350198 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 19:03:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2350198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My lists: I rewrite them often once a month or at least quarterly. When something is added or edited out I just squeeze it in or cross it out temporarily. Then I take the lists shopping. Since I am only buying around one item a month the past couple of years it’s easy to squeeze them in.<br /> It really helps me to have everything written down, I don’t forget what I have or get sucked in to buying too much of the same kind of thing that draws my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350184 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 16:46:46 +0000 Bonnie 2350184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your #4 really resonated with me as I think I'm about to work on my own closet items that are not working for me. I've already pulled out two pair pants, two pair shorts, and am going to evaluate another pair of pants today. I enjoyed reading your review and find tracking wears valuable so encourage you to try it. I track on a Numbers spreadsheet and it's easy to do once it's set up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350182 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 15:39:25 +0000 Zaeobi 2350182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha @cardiff girl sure - which flavour do you prefer? </p> <p>Yes, I find reading others' reflections helped me to clarify my own thoughts - so hopefully mine can help others too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350179 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 15:19:04 +0000 Cardiff girl 2350179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Send the cookie over now!l enjoyed reading your thoughts always helpful to get to know how others approach their wardrobe planning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350174 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 12:53:52 +0000 Zaeobi 2350174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks I like it too, but might look for something that incorporates my other colours too. </p> <p>Oh that's a good idea - do you find it useful to have them written down in one place? What happens when you acquire something new or pass something else on - do you add new pages? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350164 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 03:47:40 +0000 Jenni NZ 2350164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very good recap Zaeobi! I still love your bird of paradise profile pic too.<br /> I haven’t done a recap- still working on wearing what I have and not buying much extra. My wardrobe is not in Finds either, just written down </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350120 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:59:19 +0000 Zaeobi 2350120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of *course* your wonderfully vintage wardrobe would require customisation, @Jaime - good things come to those who wait (to upload to Finds, but also to thrift incredible pieces like yours!) </p> <p>That does sound like you have lucky feet! The fact that mine swell during the day (so require flexible width) also makes things harder, depending on when in the day I test drive new shoes... </p> <p>Yess, if only elastane in all clothing was more durable, breathable &amp; polished-looking, I'd probably own nothing *but* stretchy clothing, lol... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350082 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:15:58 +0000 Jaime 2350082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you are doing very well. And have provided me with an interesting reason I haven't uploaded my wardrobe to finds - of course they would all have to be custom finds ! Shoes are so frustrating. I am lucky that I am a pretty easy fit within the confines of my limits (almost no heels). I hear you about alterations and fluctuations. Really clothes should be a bit more adjustable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350077 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:44:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2350077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@rachylou<br /> Thanks, you're right - when all my goals are written in one place, I can see I achieved more than I thought! </p> <p>Do it - life is too short for uncomfortable shoes (unless they make you happy, of course) </p> <p>Hmm I'm open to both but I think milk chocolate is like camel in that it can make me look 'naked' IYKWIM... so I have to be careful lol! Dark chocolate is now my main neutral though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350076 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:39:57 +0000 Zaeobi 2350076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Suz<br /> I held onto my 'trippy' shoes for too long because they're gold flats that are quick to slip on (which is no easy feat to find at retail, unfortunately!) Ironically they're FitFlop - which is my go-to brand for my wide forefoot! But it seems the 'microwobbleboard' soles on some of their shoes can cause balance issues, since it's designed to 'rock' as you stride. Just a PSA for anyone else reading this - though I have sandals with those soles that I've worn on the beach without issue, so who knows?! </p> <p>Thanks for the colour wisdom - I doubt I'll end up finding an entire wardrobe of the right plum shades, but let's see! I've noticed when I set a colour 'target', I end up seeing more of it at retail - it's likely just confirmation bias though </p> <p>That makes sense re: Custom Finds - I knew I there was a reason I was dragging my feet! I'll aim to start after Lunar New Year then, when the lighting warms up enough to take good photos. </p> <p>Thank you - to you too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350075 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:04:44 +0000 rachylou 2350075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’ve done a lot! I feel inspired to be more realistic about shoes. Are you a dark chocolate or milk chocolate person or both? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2350024 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:06:35 +0000 Suz 2350024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flat shoes that make me trip for some reason -- those belong in the donate bag for sure! Can there be anything more annoying than buying a supposedly practical shoe that makes you feel like a clutz and puts you in mortal danger? Sheesh!&nbsp;</p> <p>Colour related goals can be difficult. I personally think it is wise to decide on our colour story (whether we do it by seasonal analysis or just by choosing our faves) and limit our colours to some degree. But then it can be difficult to find them at retail in styles we like. So I think you can give yourself a break there. You're doing your best and managing to get dressed. And you know what you want / need to add when the time comes.&nbsp;</p> <p>I now have almost but not quite all of my wardrobe in Finds. It is harder for you because more of them will have to be custom Finds, and that requires an extra step. But once you get into the habit of doing it, it's done. You might try by category of item, picking a smaller category first, say pants (or whatever you have less of). It really is helpful in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here's to a happy and healthy and prosperous 2024! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2023-review-long#post-2349991 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:46:21 +0000 Zaeobi 2349991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my style is OK these days - nothing groundbreaking, but like @SarahD8 mentioned, it feels like my wardrobe has finally 'clicked' so that I can get dressed for most of my life's events without overthinking. So I'm not looking for a major revamp - finally! It *only* took 7-8+ years to adjust my wardrobe to my now more casual life in a subtropical climate, lol! </p> <p><b>To recap, <u>my 2022 &amp; 2023 goals</u>:</b><br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-2023-goals" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....2023-goals</a> &amp;<br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-goals" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-goals</a> I fully covered 3/6 goals, with only 1 a complete no-go in 2023 - so I think I did okay?!<br /> (Key for my goals: 'O' done / 'X' not achieved yet)</p> <p>1) O/X: I did add (&amp; rediscover) some shiny &amp; textured items to my closet this year, but not as many as I would have liked. I would like to find more in dark colours (like a fluffy chocolate jumper) so I can still add visual interest even to more neutral outfits (which I find myself gravitating towards more these days). Same with jewellery - I have slightly subtler shine with some brass and bronze pieces but would like more (see my 2024 goals). </p> <p>2) O: Apart from one ecru blouse (just in case of interviews), I've officially moved all of my cream/ off-white to my (UK) black capsule wardrobe! I find it helps soften the black so that it's more wearable on me (I don't own any more black in my main wardrobe here in HK). I have a camel silk pussybow blouse and a camel jersey top as work replacements, but so far I haven't felt a big need for any more camel pieces. Maybe because the nutmeg/ tobacco colour that's popular these days (sort of an orangey brownish copper shade) fills that gap for me (for now). </p> <p>3) O: The only green I've added has either been a mossy olive chartreuse (silk scarf &amp; cotton top). </p> <p>4) O: I'm doing better with the 'One In One Out' rule, since being honest about my personal comfort factors (2022 goals) means passing on things which are no longer working for me. I recently culled shoes that I was holding onto 'just in case' but wasn't actually wearing (we've discussed on the YLF blog how shoes are a common post-buy regret - I can add 'flat shoes that make me trip for some reason', lol...)<br /> I also bought thin velvet hangers for my hanging space, which has helped. I have them now for trousers, skirts, dresses/ tops &amp; toppers + metal ones for accessories: belts, scarves &amp; necklaces.<br /> Though I intuitively feel a difference (less cluttered etc), it's difficult to know exactly *how* much these methods have helped, since I haven't been tracking wears &amp;/ or my total item count. Speaking of which... </p> <p>5) X: I still haven't uploaded my wardrobe to Finds, I think because that first requires me to know what's actually in my closet in order to photograph it all lol. I'm not going to set a hard goal for this (since I've noticed I'm less likely to do it if it feels like 'homework') but I've noticed that I record my daily spending without hassle - so I'm thinking of maybe incorporating tracking wears into my preexisting everyday budget spreadsheet? Still need to mull over the logistics of this one... </p> <p>6) X/O: I've made a dent in my alterations pile (the previous photos &amp; categories really helped!) but still haven't completed it. Things I've already successfully altered this year have re-entered my wardrobe, so I know it *does* work - but it takes time, since I hand sew (&amp; not very well, lol)!<br /> I think this is partially a mental block too, due to weight fluctuations - my most common alteration need is taking in the waist, but what happens if I then gain weight? I'm thinking of using those metal buttons @DonnaF mentioned recently, or maybe I can DIY buttons attached to elastic inserts inside the waistband (hopefully sewers know the hack I'm talking about here?) Could also use fabric tape in place of vertical waist seams? I'm just spitballing ideas now... </p> <p><b>Wheww that's a lot of navel gazing </b> - typing it all out is more for my benefit as it helps me process, but you get a cookie if you also read this far! I'll post my 2024 Goals (plus my Word &amp; Colour) separately, so it isn't overwhelming:<br /> <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-2024-goals-shorter-lol" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....horter-lol</a></p> <p>Feel free to add anything that comes to mind - anything you disagree with, have observed, or want to see more/ less of? Here's to a hopefully fruitful 2024 for us all! </p>